Basic Cake Recipes You Absolutely Need to Know

There are some recipes which remain classic and do not fade away into oblivion with time. Such is the case with a basic cake recipe. It forms the foundation for preparing any type of cake.

Tastessence Staff

Last Updated: Mar 5, 2018

With the advent of commercial cake mixes, people have stopped baking from scratch. However, these days there seems to be a re-awakening and appreciation for baking desserts and cakes from the initial stage. Baking without using pre-packaged, preservative-packed mixes can be made innovative by using different ingredients and unconventional proportions. The most important point to remember is to pay attention to the exact measurements. If you miss or make any mistake with the measurements, chances are high that the cake may not turn out to be the same way as you had expected. You can make variations in the recipe, but ensure that you make them logically and in synchronization with all the steps involved in the baking process. The next important step is to follow the processes mentioned in the exact manner. Any changes in the process may end up making the cake similar to a brick. Sifting the flour before you use it in the batter will give the batter lightness. If you do not want to use shortening, then you can substitute it with either margarine, butter or applesauce. This will help in preserving moistness and richness, but remove some of the weight and bad fats.

How to Make a Basic Cake from Scratch

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour, 1 cup

White Sugar, ½ cup

Shortening, ¼ cup

Milk, ½ cup

Baking Powder, 2 tsp.

Salt, ½ tsp.

Vanilla Extract, 1 tsp.

Eggs, 2

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Grease the baking pan with oil and dust it with flour.

Mix together sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Sift the flour mixture and keep aside.

In a large bowl, mix sugar and shortening together. Whip till it is light and fluffy.

Add one egg at a time and beat thoroughly till the mixture is fluffy and light.

Add flour mixture alternately with milk and mix well, so that no lumps are formed. Make sure that the batter is soft.

At last, stir in vanilla extract and mix well.

Transfer the batter into the baking pan.

Bake at 350 °F for 40 to 45 minutes. In order to check if it is baked well, insert a toothpick into the cake and if it comes out clean, it is ready.

Baking with Whole Wheat Flour

Ingredients

Butter, 2 sticks

Sugar, 1 ⅔ cups

Eggs, 5

Whole Wheat Flour, 2 cups

Vanilla Extract, 1 tsp.

Lemon, 1 tsp.

Method

In a bowl, mix butter and sugar. Whisk till it is light and fluffy.

Add one egg and continue to whisk. Ensure that the mixture is fluffy.

Gradually add whole wheat flour to the egg and sugar mixture and keep whisking, so that the batter is soft.

At last add vanilla and lemon to the mixture and mix well.

Grease and flour a baking pan. Transfer the batter into the pan.

Place the baking pan in a preheated oven and bake at 325 °F for 45 minutes.

When the cake leaves the side of the pan, understand that it is ready and remove it from the oven.

Baking without Eggs

Ingredients

Flour, 1½ cups

Sugar, ¾ cup

Baking Powder, 2 tsp.

Salt, ¼ tsp.

Milk, (Soy Milk) ¾ cup

Vanilla Extract, 2 tsp.

Method

Grease the baking pan with oil and dust it with flour. Preheat the oven to 350 °F.

In a bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.

Add the remaining ingredients and beat till the batter is soft without any lumps.

Pour the batter in the baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, then it is ready.

These were just the basic recipes. You can add other ingredients like cocoa, fruit chops, nuts, etc. to change the flavor. You can top it up with whipped cream to make it look more appealing.